My first piece for this year’s Battle of the Bay Virtual Art Show! Follow @battleofthebayart to see more awesome A’s and Giants themed baseball art created by 28 artists, going on now thru Sunday, June 27!

Inspired by illustrated sports cards and initiatives like Topps’ Project70, I thought I’d try my hand and making my own artist baseball card. From 1988 thru 1992, the most feared reliever in the league was the high leg-kicking, sidearm throwing ace for the Oakland A’s, Dennis Eckersley! I was so amazed at his unique pitching style and how dominant he was in closing out games. Anytime he checked into a game, I felt like the win was a lock. I never thought I’d see a reliever win the MVP and Cy Young Award in the same season – an amazing feat he pulled off in 1992! To celebrate him, here’s my version of a 1979 Topps Dennis Eckersley card!

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Clip Studio Pro (drawing & colors) -> Photoshop (color edits) -> InDesign (layout and text) -> Photoshop (compositing)